Abstract: Improved laser energy delivery devices, providing greater transmission efficiency, longevity of use and safety are described. In one embodiment, a device for delivering laser energy includes a conventional optical fiber within a metal or plastic cannula provided with a laser energy emission window. A reflective material is disposed in a space between the distal end portion of a metal or plastic sheath and the optical fiber, as well as about any extension or endpiece of the distal end of the sheath. The reflective material reflects aberrant emissions of laser energy from the optical fiber as it erodes, and laser energy backscattered from the target tissue away from the distal end of the sheath back into the optical fiber or out of the distal end of the sheath, thereby preventing damage due to overheating. Other embodiments include devices that transmit laser energy more safely, efficiently and durably laterally from the axis of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A method and devices for generating laser pulse trains for delivery to a target including the use of a single laser generator which produces a plurality of pulse groupings of two or more individual laser pulses within each laser pulse train, generated at selected time intervals. The time intervals between the individual pulses within each of the pulse groupings along with the intervals between pulse groupings themselves are selected and controlled by a controller in reference to several variables including the emission and energy storage lifetimes of the lasing medium, the thermal diffusion time constant of the target, the time required to cool the target after the application of laser pulses to its ambient temperature, and the dissipation time of acoustic waves generated by the pulses.

Abstract: A device and method for generating laser pulse trains for delivery to a target including the use of a single laser generator which produces a plurality of pulse groupings of two or more individual laser pulses within each laser pulse train, generated at selected time intervals. The laser pulse train has a pulse width of at least about 30 microseconds and a pulse repetition rate of 1 to about 1,000 Hertz. The time intervals between the individual pulses within each of the pulse groupings along with the intervals between pulse groupings themselves are selected and controlled by a controller in reference to several variables including the emission and energy storage lifetimes of the lasing medium, the thermal diffusion time constant of the target, the time required to cool the target after the application of laser pulses to its ambient temperature, and the dissipation time of acoustic waves generated by the pulses.

Abstract: A tube having a distal end portion made of a curved, flexible, shape retentive material such as superelastic, nickel-titanium memory metal alloy which has been heat-treated to retain a desired curved shape. The tube translates within and is constrained by a rigid sleeve, which may alternately be an instrument channel of an endoscope. When the distal end portion of the tube is extended from the sleeve, it returns to its original curved shape. Markings about the proximal and, or distal end portions of the tube enable the operator to know to what extent the distal end portion of the tube has been extended from the sleeve even when the distal end portion of the tube is not visible. The tube may be used for supporting and activating a cutting, abrading, coagulating, shrinking, or vaporizing device that is brought near or into contact with a tissue surface.

Abstract: A method and devices for generating laser pulse trains for delivery to a target including the use of a single laser generator which produces a plurality of pulse groupings of two or more individual laser pulses within each laser pulse train, generated at selected time intervals. The time intervals between the individual pulses within each of the pulse groupings along with the intervals between pulse groupings themselves are selected and controlled by a controller in reference to several variables including the emission and energy storage lifetimes of the lasing medium, the thermal diffusion time constant of the target, the time required to cool the target after the application of laser pulses to its ambient temperature, and the dissipation time of acoustic waves generated by the pulses.